The Malaysians had to hold their nerve in the 71-minute epic semifinal and had nine match points, with the Chinese pair chipping away at the lead, before Dania came up with a sharp winner.

“We are very happy as we didn’t think we could win this match. We had a big lead but when they got close we were so nervous. We were very happy to get that final point,” Zu Yi said.

“We just wanted to keep the attack. Their defence is very good, so we just had to follow the shuttle when we were on attack. We had to pick up the speed in the second game as our coach told us that we had to be faster than them,” Dania added.

Zu Yi-Dania face Japanese pair Ririna Hiramoto-Aya Tamaki in the final later today.

Meanwhile, men’s doubles compatriots Kang Khai Xin-Aaron Tai also progressed to the final, beating Chinese pair Chen Yong Rui-Chen Zhe Han 21-18, 10-21, 21-15.

Similarly, Khai Xin-Aaron will face Hu Ke Yuan-Lin Xiang Yi in the final this evening.